Bananas Foster Upside-Down Cake

When we’re looking for a dessert that tastes wonderful and has that “WOW” factor, there are two that always come to mind: bananas foster, and upside-down cake. So really it was only a matter of time before we took things to the next level, brought the two together, and baked the ultimate in impressive desserts: Bananas Foster Upside-Down Cake!

Yes, it’s just as delicious and delightful as it sounds. Not only does this upside-down treat feature some wonderful, classic cake, it’s topped by bananas slathered in that one-of-a-kind fosters rum sauce, with all the fire and flavor that means. Best of all, it’s absolutely doable at home! Let us show you how, then keep reading for the full recipe.

Directions

Arrange the bananas, cut-side-down, in the prepared pan and set aside.

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Sauce

In a large pan over medium-low heat, combine the butter, light brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter is melted, the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture is well-combined.

Add the rum and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Using a lighter, stand back and carefully ignite the rum.

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Shake the pan until the flames subside.

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Remove the sauce from the heat and pour over the prepared bananas. Set aside.

Cake

In a large bowl, using a stand or a hand mixer, beat the butter, sugar, and light brown sugar together until creamy and lightened in color.

Add the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla extract and buttermilk, and mix to combine.

In a second large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the wet ingredients to the bowl containing the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix the cake batter.

Carefully spoon the cake batter over the bananas. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the batter, covering the fruit.

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Set an empty baking sheet on the bottom of the oven, or on a rack directly underneath where you will bake cake, to catch any foster sauce that may drip during baking.

Bake the cake in the center of the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center-bottom, near the bananas, comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Use an offset spatula to ensure the sides of the cake are free from the pan. Place an upside-down plate or platter, large enough to hold the cake, on top of the cake pan. Carefully invert the cake onto the plate/platter to show off the caramelized bananas underneath.

Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Chef’s Tips

If you prefer, you can also make your cake in a 8-inch cake pan or an 8-by-8-inch brownie pan. If you use a smaller pan, you will only need 2 bananas.

When mixing the cake batter, be very careful not to over-mix the cake batter, as doing so will result in a tough cake.

When testing the cake to see if it is done, make sure to test close to the bottom of the pan nearest the bananas to ensure cake is completely cooked.

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Lovely! How fabulous does this cake look? It’s such a great treat to help get us all through the rest of winter, and we think it’d be perfect for a Mardi Gras celebration, too!

But now it’s your turn— what do you think of our Bananas Foster Upside-Down Cake? Have you ever had anything similar before? Tell us if you give this treat a try and be sure to let us know how it comes out for you!